How much does a trip to South Africa cost?
Typical prices for one traveller, from a hostel bed to a 4-star room. Every line has its source and the date we last checked it.
- BedZAR 12,600 40%
- FoodZAR 8,400 27%
- TransportZAR 3,500 11%
- SightsZAR 7,000 22%
What a day costs in South Africa
Per person, in ZAR
A mid-range day in South Africa costs about ZAR 2,250 per person: ZAR 900 for a bed, ZAR 600 for food, ZAR 250 for local transport and ZAR 500 for sights. On a budget the same day is about ZAR 750; in comfort, about ZAR 5,200. At today’s rate the mid-range day is about $135.
| What you pay for | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed a nightCape Town, per person · Source | ZAR 350 | ZAR 900 | ZAR 1,800 |
| Food a dayCape Town, per person · Source | ZAR 250 | ZAR 600 | ZAR 1,200 |
| Transport a dayCape Town, per person · Source | ZAR 50 | ZAR 250 | ZAR 700 |
| Sights a dayCape Town, per person · Source | ZAR 100 | ZAR 500 | ZAR 1,500 |
| A day in total | ZAR 750 | ZAR 2,250 | ZAR 5,200 |
Per person. Prices checked Oct 3, 2026 by Amara Nwosu against the source on each line. Rates By Exchange Rate API
South Africa trip cost by length of stay
Per person, before flights
The day rate times the days you stay. Two people sharing a room for a week at mid-range comes to ZAR 31,500.
| Length of stay | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | ZAR 2,250$135 | ZAR 6,750$404 | ZAR 15,600$934 |
| 7 days | ZAR 5,250$314 | ZAR 15,750$943 | ZAR 36,400$2,180 |
| 14 days | ZAR 10,500$629 | ZAR 31,500$1,887 | ZAR 72,800$4,361 |
| 30 days | ZAR 22,500$1,348 | ZAR 67,500$4,043 | ZAR 156,000$9,345 |
What the estimate leaves out
The calculator prices an ordinary day on the ground. Add these yourself.
Trip costs elsewhere in Africa
Trip cost calculatorTrip cost FAQ
How much does South Africa cost per day?
For one person, about ZAR 750 on a budget, ZAR 2,250 mid-range or ZAR 5,200 in comfort. That covers a bed, food, local transport and sights.
How much is a week in South Africa?
For one person, about ZAR 5,250 on a budget, ZAR 15,750 mid-range or ZAR 36,400 in comfort, before flights.
How much do two people need for two weeks in South Africa?
About ZAR 21,000 on a budget, ZAR 63,000 mid-range or ZAR 145,600 in comfort, sharing a double room and before flights.
Is South Africa expensive to visit?
A mid-range day in South Africa costs about $135. Of the 112 destinations we price, 57 are cheaper and 54 cost more.
What is the biggest cost of a trip to South Africa?
At mid-range the largest line is Bed: ZAR 900 of the ZAR 2,250 a day, about 40%.
What do budget, mid-range and comfort mean?
Budget: hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights. Mid-range: a 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day. Comfort: a 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.
What does the calculator leave out?
Flights, shopping, travel insurance, visas and one-off costs such as a rail pass. Prices are for one person in the main city.
Which currency are the prices in?
The local currency of the destination, as we checked it. The calculator can show the total in your own currency at today’s exchange rate.